Effectiveness of Simulation Training for Vaginal Hysterectomy (Using a Commercially Available High-Fidelity Model) - Abstract
Importance: The hands-on simulations provide a safe environment for the learners to practice surgical steps and to increase confidence.
Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to teach major pelvic landmarks and basic steps of Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH) to the Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN) residents, using a commercially available high-fidelity model.
Study Design: This is educational research: after didactic lecture, residents were paired and performed VH simulation on a commercially available VH model, guided by a board-certified urogynecologist, with step-by-step instructions. Demographics and assessments on confidence level, knowledge pretest/posttest, and satisfaction survey were collected. Demographics/survey questions were expressed using a descriptive analysis. The test scores were compared within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: 11 residents (1PGY1, 2PGY2s, 4PGY3s, 4PGY4s) participated. The median age of residents was 31-year-old [IQR 29,32]. The median number of VH performed was 0.0[0.0, 5.5] and the number of VH observed was 1.0[1.0, 2.0], although the total number of completed GYN rotations was 11[6.5, 11.5]. The median score from the 25 multiplechoice knowledge questions on the pre-test was 72% [IQR 62, 78], while that of post-test was 80% [IQR 66, 80], (p=.030). Self-assessed confidence level scores improved from 3 to 4(1-lowest, 5-highest) in all questions asked. 100% of residents responded with 4 and 5(1-lowest, 5-highest) to the satisfaction statements.
Conclusions: A commercially available VH model increased residents’ confidence and knowledge scores in performing VH. This VH model can serve as an alternative method to teach the basic steps and surgical skills of VH to the OBGYN residents.